The New York Jets are 10 quarters away from the 2026 regular season.
After 30 minutes of exhibition football in East Rutherford, N.J., the Jets are walking into the locker room with a 13-10 halftime lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fourth-round rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik got the start in place of Geno Smith, who was ruled out with foot soreness as a precaution. Klubnik led the Jets to points on each of his two drives, exiting the game with New York holding a 10-0 lead.
Klubnik finished the game completing 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. Running back Braelon Allen broke off a 31-yard touchdown run for the Jets’ lone touchdown of the half.
The rookie was relieved by Bailey Zappe, his top competitor for the backup quarterback role. Zappe threw interceptions on each of his first two drives in relief. The first was a poor read on Zappe’s part, while the second was a solid throw on the run after escaping pressure, only to slip through the hands of wide receiver Arian Smith.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Moray Bamba was a standout, recording a whopping three passes defended before halftime.
As for the Jets’ starters, Garrett Wilson made two fantastic catches for 31 yards before exiting, while Will McDonald recorded a sack. Second overall pick David Bailey finished with one tackle, while he also contributed to McDonald’s sack with interior pressure to help force the quarterback into McDonald.
The second half is set to begin at MetLife Stadium.
